OAKLAND — When it comes to this year's mayoral contest, Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan has done everything but formally announce her candidacy.

It's likely that will happen today.

The first-term council member said in a statement Tuesday that she will make a "special announcement" at 11 a.m. today in a speech "solidifying her position in the mayoral race." The event will be held at the Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., in downtown Oakland.

Kaplan, Oakland's only citywide council representative, said in March she was "very seriously" considering vying for City Hall's top post. She subsequently formed a committee to allow her to begin fundraising for a possible run.

"I know there is incredible work ahead of us," she told supporters at a fundraiser in May. "And I know that it is possible. "... Our city needs — and can have — jobs and economic revitalization, public safety and effective government."

Kaplan served on the AC Transit board of directors for almost seven years before joining the council in 2009. She declined to elaborate Tuesday on her mayoral aspirations.

Kaplan would join former state Sen. Don Perata and Councilmember Jean Quan as the leading candidates in the race.